Choose Your Platform
| Feature | beehiiv Launch (Free) | Kit Newsletter (Free) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 2,500 | 10,000 |
| Sends | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Custom Domain | Yes (free) | No (requires Creator $39/mo) |
| Website Builder | Yes (free) | Landing page only |
| Automation | Basic | No (requires Creator $39/mo) |
| Monetization Path | Scale $49/mo (ad network, referrals) | Creator $39/mo (digital products) |
Pick beehiiv if you want a custom domain and website on the free tier. Pick Kit if you need more subscribers (10K vs 2.5K) and plan to sell digital products.
Step-by-Step: beehiiv Launch (30 Minutes)
Minutes 1–5: Account Setup
Sign up at beehiiv.com. Select Launch (free) plan. Enter your newsletter name and description. Choose a URL slug for your publication page.
Minutes 5–15: Custom Domain (Optional)
Go to Settings → Publication → Custom domain. Add a CNAME record pointing your subdomain (e.g., newsletter.yourdomain.com) to beehiiv. DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours but often completes in minutes.
Minutes 15–25: Design Your Template
Go to the editor. Write your first newsletter. Add your logo, pick a color scheme. beehiiv's editor is block-based — drag in text, images, buttons, dividers. Keep it simple: header, intro, 2–3 content sections, footer with social links.
Minutes 25–30: Send Your First Email
Preview your email. Send a test to yourself. Fix any formatting issues. Schedule or send immediately. Share your subscription page link.
FAQ
Do I need a custom domain?
No, but it helps deliverability and looks more professional. beehiiv offers free custom domain support on all plans including free. Kit requires the $39/mo Creator plan for custom domains.
When should I upgrade from free?
beehiiv: when you hit 2,500 subscribers or want the ad network (Scale $49/mo). Kit: when you need automations, sequences, or integrations (Creator $39/mo).